Public Economics Conference: Income tax, employment and social security - reform options

This panel discussion focuses on taxation, employment, and social security with two engaging 20-minute presentations. The first, by Andrew Donaldson of the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) at the University of Cape Town, examined "What has Happened to the Personal Income Tax Base over the Past Decade?" The presentation was followed by Vimal Ranchod, also from SALDRU, who presented on "Employment Tax Incentives: Evidence on its Impact." These presentations laid the groundwork for a comprehensive panel discussion titled "Income Tax, Employment and Social Security - Reform Options."
Topics discussed included:
The potential for raising the tax burden.
Tax implications of social security reform and the National Health Insurance (NHI).
Reflections on active labour market policies and alternative instruments.
The discussion was facilitated by Mamiky Leolo from the South African Revenue Services. In addition to the presenters, the panel comprised Josh Budlender from SALDRU, Andreas Wörgötter, and Franz Tomasek of the South African Revenue Services. Together, they navigated complex questions around taxation, offering both academic and practical perspectives that enriched the conference dialogue on fiscal reform options.